Category Archives: Fitness

100 Reasons Why You Should Work Out

Here is a great list to keep with, especially on those days you just don’t want to work out! After reading this list, I can definitely agree with pretty much all of these reasons! :) I think I may just have to frame this list because reading it alone makes me want to get up right now and start working out!

  1. Because it makes you feel confident
  2. Because it helps you get stronger
  3. Because exercise helps combat depression
  4. Because you’ll feel proud of yourself
  5. Because you have goals you want to reach
  6. Because you’ll feel bad if you don’t
  7. Because you want to move forward, not backward
  8. Because it burns more calories than not working out
  9. Because it improves your heart health
  10. Because you want a great butt
  11. Because it prevents diabetes
  12. Because you want to be a good example to your kids
  13. Because you want to feel good in your clothes
  14. Because it reduces your risk of cancer
  15. Because your body was made to move
  16. Because you want to be an athlete
  17. Because you want to look better
  18. Because it lifts your mood
  19. Because you want to stand taller
  20. Because it reduces back pain
  21. Because it feels good
  22. Because it makes you feel accomplished
  23. Because you spend most of your day on your butt
  24. Because swimsuit season is always coming
  25. Because strong is the new skinny
  26. Because dieting only works so much
  27. Because it strengthens your bones, too
  28. Because it helps you lose weight
  29. Because it allows you to eat more food
  30. Because it’s the best way to spend “me” time
  31. Because it helps you de-stress
  32. Because it’s cheaper than therapy
  33. Because you want a strong core
  34. Because you want to take care for yourself
  35. Because you take pride in your body
  36. Because it strengthens your legs
  37. Because it helps your clothes fit better
  38. Because you want to push yourself
  39. Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
  40. Because moving your body feels good
  41. Because it keeps your mind sharp
  42. Because it helps you beat belly bloat
  43. Because it helps you sleep better at night
  44. Because it gives you energy
  45. Because you want to stay healthy as you age
  46. Because you want to look younger
  47. Because you want toned arms
  48. Because it improves your balance
  49. Because it burns off last night’s dessert
  50. Because it boosts your immune system
  51. Because sweat is sexy
  52. Because you want to live longer
  53. Because you want to get better at your game
  54. Because you want to catch someone’s eye
  55. Because exercisers earn more money
  56. Because you’re more likely to eat better when you exercise
  57. Because you want to shave time off your running pace
  58. Because you want to breathe easier
  59. Because you want to see the scale drop
  60. Because exercise improves your sex life
  61. Because you are worth it
  62. Because being fit makes everything in life better
  63. Because you promised yourself that you would
  64. Because you deserve a better life
  65. Because it’ll help you drink more water
  66. Because you want to do real push-ups
  67. Because it reduces your health care costs
  68. Because you’ll miss fewer days of work
  69. Because you want to create a new future for yourself
  70. Because it’ll help you like what you see in the mirror
  71. Because it makes clothing shopping more fun
  72. Because you want to look and feel incredible
  73. Because exercising can be fun
  74. Because it’ll give your skin a glow
  75. Because it’s a good way to spend time with your friends
  76. Because it’ll help you prevent the middle-age spread
  77. Because it reduces your blood pressure
  78. Because you don’t want to let yourself go
  79. Because you don’t want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
  80. Because it strengthens your spirit
  81. Because it’s a cheap way to entertain yourself
  82. Because you’ll be able to reward yourself
  83. Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
  84. Because you’re tired of being tired
  85. Because not working out is not going to get you very far
  86. Because it’s a great way to spend time outside
  87. Because you made a commitment to yourself
  88. Because you’re tired of starting over
  89. Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
  90. Because you’re not a quitter
  91. Because it improves your cholesterol
  92. Because it boosts your metabolism
  93. Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
  94. Because if you can do this, you can do anything
  95. Because a fit body is a healthy body
  96. Because it beats sitting on the couch
  97. Because  everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
  98. Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
  99. Because not working out isn’t working out for you
  100. Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip

(Courtesy:www. dailySpark.com)

Carolyn

Tips to Boost Your Cardio Workout

Here are some great tips that you can include in your workout to boost your cardio level! Whether you are running, walking, biking or swimming, these tips can give you the boost you need to lose weight and stay healthy!

  1. Include sprinting intervals: By alternating between a few minutes at a moderate pace and throwing in bursts at a faster pace, you’ll burn more calories, build endurance, and become faster and stronger. Not to mention, intervals are also proven to reduce belly fat.
  2. Use those arms: Many forms of cardio are all about the legs, so when possible, maximize your cardio time by focusing on working your arms as well. Swing them while running (don’t hold on to the treadmill or elliptical handles), get creative with your arm strokes while in the pool, and don’t forget to use them while in your Zumba or other cardio class instead of resting them by your sides.
  3. Lengthen the duration of your workout: Most cardio workouts last between 30 or 45 minutes, so burn more calories by pushing yourself a little longer.
  4. Incorporate strength training: The main focus of cardio workouts is to burn calories through high-intensity movement, but you can also use this time to strengthen your muscles. To target the legs and tush, incorporate inclines on your runs, bike rides, and hikes.
  5. Do more than two types of cardio a week: In order to build overall body strength and endurance and to prevent repetitive stress injuries, it’s important not to do the same type of cardio all the time, such as running. You’ll get even more out of your cardio workout if you include at least three different kinds each week.
  6. Make it harder: Aside from adding inclines, find other ways to make your cardio workout more challenging. Stand instead of resting your tush on the seat when on your bike, run with high knees, try the more advanced version of the move your fitness instructor is demonstrating, and do the more intense butterfly stroke instead of the crawl. Remember that compared to the rest of your day, this workout is only a short time, so give it your all.

What are some other ways you add more cardio into your workout?

Carolyn

Post Run Snacks

It is extremely important that you eat something after a run, especially a very long one. Because running takes a lot out of you, you must replenish your energy post-run. According to Christine Luff, author at About.com, a good reason to hit the kitchen or cupboard after running is that “you can minimize muscle stiffness and soreness,” if you eat within 30 minutes of the run.

Think of post-run (or post-exercising for that fact) snacking as a way to ‘fuel your fitness.’ You need to energize the body so it can work to it’s maximum potential to create results.

You will want to make sure that your snacks are full of carbs and some protein. If you have ever signed up for a race, you will notice almost always they have a huge selection of foods after you cross the finish line. Often bagels, bananas, other fruits and sometimes a bbq.

Some good post-run snack ideas are: Cliff bars, bagels with peanut butter, hummus on pita bread, fruit and yogurt and smoothies made with fruit and skimmed milk.

Katie

7 Yoga Poses for Back Pain

One of the reasons I love to do yoga is because it provides some great relief for any back pain I have. If you are like me, there are some days my back aches whether it is from bad posture or a bad night’s sleep. Here are some of my favorite yoga poses that help me to relieve any back pain I have.

Downward-Facing Dog – It is a great total body stretch that targets your low back.

Child’s Pose - This is a simple yoga pose, but it feels wonderful when you do it! It may be a peaceful and relaxing pose for some, but it is an active stretch for your back.

Pigeon Pose -This pose may be difficult at first for some to do, but it is a great pose that stretches out your hip muscles that may be the cause of your back pain.

Triangle Pose – A great pose to strengthen your back and leg muscles.

Cat to Cow Pose   - A classic yoga sequence that loosens your back muscles. It is a great pose to use a warm-up.

Upward-Facing Dog – This pose opens up your abdominal muscles and engages your back muscles

Foward Fold - This move stretches your hamstrings and back muscles while also providing relief and tension from your shoulders.

 

Carolyn

 

 

The Best Day of Your Life

Why Skipping Should Be Apart Of Your Fitness Routine

Just the thought of skipping brings me back to elementary school when all the girls would join in for a friendly game of double dutch at recess. Recently while at the gym, I saw a man – mid 30′s – and extremely in shape, go into the fitness room and start skipping. Just him and the rope. He came out after about 10 minutes and was just drenched in sweat. I decided to investigate.

Skipping is actually extremely good for your health. A single person jump rope can be as beneficial in your workout routine as any other fitness move or weight training. According to WebMD author Leanna Skarnulis, skipping is the perfect weight burner! It takes just 15 minutes of skipping to burn off all of the calories consumed from a chocolate bar. It tones and burns at the same time! Who wouldn’t like that?

She also suggests that skipping is a great piece of equipment as it  ”sells for under $20.00, fits into a briefcase, can be used by the whole family,” and its fun!!!

For first time users, step on the rope and adjust the length so the handles are just under your armpits. Try skipping for a minute at a time, and gently increase your time and speed after becoming familiar with the movement. Don’t forget to always wear proper fitting running or athletic shoes when jumping rope. Do not jump on carpet; try a wood floor or better yet exercise resistant pad or impact mat.

Katie

What is Your Fitness Plan?

In the last few days I have begun my May fitness month! I have set a goal for myself to commit to working out 6 days a week. Although I have been fairly good in staying active, I am noticing that there are too many times I have an excuse not to exercise.  Not only does this make me feel lazy and tired, it also begins to affect my back and neck causing quite a bit of discomfort at times. Life can be busy at times, but it is important for me to lead a balanced lifestyle of nutrition and exercise. I want exercise to become a daily part of my life and I want it to be something I look forward to instead of dragging my butt to get moving!

Today we see so many people becoming more and more health conscious. Many people are beginning to make the shift from focusing on everything but their own health to making themselves and their health the number one priority. Although we are bombarded with so many ways to stay healthy, many people often still trust the basic way of keeping in shape through regular exercise and maintaining a great workout routine.

My workout plan for this month consists of yoga, cardio, core strengthening and various other exercises targeting specific muscles groups. I plan to do yoga two days a week, running two days a week and walking and at-home exercises the rest of the days. My goal is to get myself into a regular exercise routine to continue after this month is done. My goal is to love working out!

Join me this month and create a fitness plan for yourself. It will be a great way to kick-start the summer! Write it down and hang it up somewhere where everyday you will see it! Keep yourself accountable and track your progress.  Remember that staying active on a regular basis protects our bodies from chronic conditions and keeps us strong and healthy. Consistency and paying attention to your level of fitness contributes to your good health!

What does your fitness plan consist of? Please share your ideas! We would love to hear them and support you in your fitness plan!

Carolyn

5-4-3-2-1 Workout!

Here is a great way to squeeze in a workout if you are running short on time. Some of you may have seen this before, but if not, check out this great workout!

Carolyn

Running Tips for the Newbie

I am a newbie to running and all thanks can be given to my partner in crime, Katie, who put a little fire under my butt to start. I can say with a bit of pride I am making some good progress in this fitness journey! And it feels good! My goal of running a 5k race may just happen in the near future.

I came across some great beginner running tips that I would love to share (source: Women’s Health)

  • Accept the challenge
  • Wear good running shoes
  • Warm up, then stretch
  • Stay hydrated
  • Create running goals to keep you motivated
  • Listen to your body
  • Go steady, stay with consistency
  • Find a cheerleader to keep you motivated
  • Taking baby steps will allow you to reach your goals faster
  • Keep working on your mental attitude
  • Train with someone
  • Find a reason why you want to start running
  • Sometimes its better to not time how fast you run

What are some of your running tips?

Carolyn

Easy Ways To Live Healthier!

Here are some great tips to follow to lead a healthier life!

Carolyn